Kichik Gala Hotel — Hotel in Baku City

I've always wanted to explore the Silk Route but have never had the time to explore it fully. I was, however, able to get a cheap flight to Baku, one of the settlements on the route, and read about this hotel in the Lonely Planet. I should have been more cautious as it didn't have a Trip Advisor review. But, as I was being adventurous, I took the plunge.||||Our flight arrived at 5am and we had booked the room for our first night. It is a 30 minute cab ride from the airport (AZN 50 - perhaps we could have done better).||||The management failed to hold our room for us as we had "failed" to reconfirm 24 hours in advance. We were unaware of this rule and had been in regular, weekly communication with them by phone and email for the preceding month - including just a few days earlier to get our letter of invitation for our visas(which we didn't need). Anyway, there was no room ready for us so the overnight staff had to change some sheets and leave us a towel. We got to bed at 6.30am.||||The room was fairly basic; an old fashioned TV with some English channels. There was no double glazing - and with Baku being a building site for at least the next 3 years this will disturb your sleep. Even more concerning was the fact that you could hear the rooms next door and conversations occurring at reception despite being one floor and one corridor away.||||The fixtures and fitting in the bathroom were poor. The taps were loose. It took 5 minutes for the water to warm up and the shower curtain was overlong and blocked the drain.||||After a few hours we were moved into a twin room. The standard of room was unchanged but when we returned in the evening, the cleaners had removed one of the pillows and the duvet. We were too tired to complain so went to sleep.||||We didn't get the chance to get the benefit of their inclusive breakfast as it looked very tired when we saw it at 10.30am and decided to try elsewhere.||||It was not all bad, however. The location is good in Icheri Shehir. Not too far from the metro (if it wasn't closed for refurbishment), within the walls of the old city and only a short walk from Fountain Square. In fact, you are only 200 metres from Baku's main thoroughfare. ||||The hotel staff were very friendly and fascinated that we came here on a city break rather than on (oil) business.||||The price was 100 AZN per night which, I suppose, is not too unreasonable. Baku is not a cheap city - the expat expense accounts keep prices up.||||We were not offered an apology or any discount for our room not being ready and were charged for the full 4 nights despite the inconveniences.||||Baku is a work in progress. I'm not sure that I would recommend specifically going there within the next year. If one is exploring Azerbaijan then, I suppose, a couple of nights would be appropriate.||||I have not stayed in a worse hotel in the...

Kichik Kala Hotel is located within the Old city of Baku (Icheri-Sheher). It could be described as a budget one, but well it's really nice and comfortable enough considering location and price. Negative moments: a bit noisy (I mean all the sounds from the hall, entrance and neighboring rooms could be easily heard and so it's not good, but, speaking in favor of this hotel, I should notice it's reasonably small (about 10-15 rooms), so there're not many guests and you feel yourself cosily. Moreover, staff is really helpful and friendly (and so are most of Baku citizens), breakfast is served upon your request: you choose from the menu and most of the dishes will be cooked especially for you (omelet and etc.). Well, this hotel gave me good...

This is one of the best value-for-money hotels I've ever stayed! For 80 euros per night we stayed within the UNESCO heritage site of the Old town, walking distance to all the interesting places. The staff didn't speak English very much, that was the only disadvantage, but they we very nice and always helped with everything. It is a very small boutique hotel, the equipment is very simple, but the bed is comfortable, the shower is good and everything is very clean and renovated. Wifi works perfectly! For breakfast there is very limited selection - fresh omelette or hot sausage, some cheese and vegetables. Very...